RESILIENCE IN THE AMERICAN WEST 2018

RESILIENCE IN THE AMERICAN WEST 2018

$500–$1,600

September 22 – 29, 2018

No American landscape is as iconic as the red-rock canyons, cliffs, and mesas of the southwest. You could spend a lifetime exploring the region’s eight national parks. But we’ll tick off the highlights on this six-day road trip that starts and ends in another icon, Las Vegas.

While Las Vegas is one of the closest major cities to the awe inspiring National Parks we’re seeking, departing from the city that never sleeps presents a contrasting experience that will make our hikes and reflection time so much more gratifying.

Travelers may arrive in Las Vegas anytime on Saturday, September 22nd as we will depart early morning, Sunday, September 23rd.

Product Description

TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE

5:00pm Social hour, reflection and book discussions — Rising Strong by Brené Brown

6:30pm Group Dinner

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, in Nevada’s Mojave Desert, is a resort city famed for its vibrant nightlife, centered around 24-hour casinos and other entertainment options. It’s Main Street and focal point is the Strip, just over 4 miles long. This boulevard is home to themed hotels with elaborate displays such as fountains synchronized to music as well as replicas of an Egyptian pyramid, the Venetian Grand Canal, and the Eiffel Tower. We’re leaving it all behind for a little solitude, self-reflection and breathtaking scenery.

Day 2 – Zion National Park (depart from Las Vegas at 8:00 a.m.)

Zion National Park is a southwest Utah nature preserve distinguished by Zion Canyon’s steep red cliffs. Zion’s soaring sandstone formations can reduce you to tears, even if you never get out of the vehicle. But we will at Zion Canyon Theater where we’ll grab some lunch and then spend the afternoon hiking the Emerald Pools Trails. Breakfast included.

Day 3 – Zion National Park

On our second day at Zion, some may choose to go to Yankee Doodle Canyon just outside the park’s border. It requires a 90-foot rappel, but Zion Mountain School swears the half-day adventure is as easy as it gets. Others will enjoy a more leisurely hike on Watchman Trail. We’ll meet for lunch and then head up to Weeping Rock Trail and Riverside Walk. Breakfast included.

Day 4 – Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for crimson-colored hoodoos, which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path, our first venture of the day. After lunch, we’ll hike Peekaboo-Queens Garden Loop and The Hat Shop. Then, we’ll take full advantage of prime viewing time at sundown. Breakfast included.

Day 5 – Grand Canyon

We’ll enjoy classic North Rim views from Grand Canyon Lodge, and then walk the paved trail out to Bright Angel Point for dramatic views of Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons. Some may choose to spend the entire day hiking more aggressive trails while others may simply sit in solitude and serenity and fall in love with the landscape. Breakfast included.

Day 6 – Lake Powell

Lake Powell is part of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon National Recreation area. With 2,000 miles of shoreline, endless sunshine, warm water, perfect weather and some of the most spectacular scenery in the west. We’ll explore opportunities to get on the water and view the Glen Canyon Dam. If your dream is to find a place to perch along the shore and reflect for a few hours, this is a great place to do that. Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 7

Arrive back in Las Vegas by noon. Some travelers may choose to fly home later in the day while others may want to spend the weekend in Las Vegas. To continue your quest for personal reflection, consider spending the weekend at one of the Lake Las Vegas Resorts near Henderson, just 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, but worlds away from an ordinary Las Vegas experience. Breakfast included